Patsy Kensit Embarks on Spiritual Trek for BBC's Pilgrimage Series
Actress Patsy Kensit is set to undertake an epic 390-kilometre hike across the north east of England as part of the BBC2 series Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island. The journey aims to help participants reconnect with what matters most in life, blending physical challenge with deep spiritual reflection.
Diverse Group of Celebrities on Spiritual Quest
The new series features seven celebrities with varied religious backgrounds and beliefs. Alongside Patsy Kensit, who describes herself as a "la carte" Catholic, the group includes former Orthodox Jew Ashley Blaker, Muslim comedian Hasan Al-Habib, and practising Christian Ashley Banjo.
Three non-religious walkers complete the ensemble: Hermione Norris from Cold Feet and Spooks, presenter Jayne Middlemiss, and reality star Tasha Ghouri. Hermione believes the divine exists in all living things, Jayne identifies as "spiritual," while Tasha approaches the journey as a "curious" atheist.
The Historic Route to Holy Island
Over twelve demanding days, the pilgrims will traverse spectacular trails through England's north east, following paths that celebrate three revered 7th-century Northern saints: Hild, Oswald, and Cuthbert. Their journey begins just south of the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, taking them past Whitby's world-famous cliff-top Abbey and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durham Cathedral.
The final destination is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland, accessible via Pilgrims' Way across dangerous tidal sands that walkers have navigated for over a thousand years. Along the route, they'll visit significant pilgrimage sites including Heavenfield, where St Oswald won the battle to claim the Kingdom of Northumbria, and Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall.
Personal Motivations for the Journey
For 57-year-old Patsy Kensit, the pilgrimage represents a rare opportunity to pause and reflect. "I'm joining Pilgrimage at a time when I feel the need to slow down and really listen," she explained. "This feels like a rare chance to pause and reflect. I hope the journey will help me reconnect with what matters most and give me a deeper sense of perspective, gratitude, and understanding."
Comedy writer Ashley Blaker, 51, sees the trek as time for personal reflection. "I've been on quite the journey with my faith over the past few years," said the former Orthodox Jew who now identifies as agnostic. "I'm looking forward to having time to reflect and work out where I am now. I'm sure we'll all learn a lot from each other."
Challenges and Traditions Along the Way
The pilgrims will carry their own backpacks throughout the journey, staying overnight in various accommodations ranging from small wooden pods to hostels and basic bunkrooms. At Durham Cathedral, they'll participate in the medieval pilgrim tradition of foot washing before visiting the shrine of St Cuthbert.
Their route includes following St Oswald's Way to a medieval hermitage in the grounds of Warkworth Castle and traversing St Cuthbert's Way through the Scottish Borders to the highest point on their journey. The group will face challenging conditions, including an amber weather warning during their visit to Hadrian's Wall.
Varied Perspectives on the Pilgrimage Experience
Diversity leader Ashley Banjo, 37, emphasized multiple reasons for his participation. "I'm also taking part to have a really good hike," he said. "The pilgrimage represents the chance to explore my faith and meet new people, but also to unplug and go on the walk of a lifetime."
Hermione Norris intends to savour "this rare opportunity to set aside time to walk, to question, and to notice," while Hasan Al-Habib, 31, sees the show as "an incredible opportunity" for a practising Muslim. Tasha Ghouri, 27, who reached the Strictly Come Dancing final in 2024, approaches the experience with "an open heart and an open mind."
Jayne Middlemiss, 56, who has taken pilgrimages abroad before, expressed excitement about exploring her homeland. "I have always wanted to return home and do the pilgrimage of my homeland," she said. "To walk in the steps of ancestors and connect to not only my past but the past of my family."
Production Insights and Broadcast Details
Executive producer Caroline Matthews confirmed the series would continue exploring life's big questions around faith and culture. "As ever, stripped of their creature comforts, there is strong camaraderie, tears, joy, and a fabulous amount of humour to get them through their epic journey," she revealed.
The eighth series of Pilgrimage marks a departure by remaining entirely within the UK, focusing on England's rich pilgrimage heritage. The series is scheduled to launch on BBC2 during the Easter period, offering viewers an intimate look at this spiritual and physical journey through northern England's historic landscapes.
